Hockey – Irish Schools’ Qualifying

On the afternoon of Wednesday 10th September Grosvenor’s 1st XI boys' hockey team took on 'Royal and Prior' School, Raphoe in the first of their three-match Irish Schools’ Qualifying campaign.

Raphoe, including three Irish Junior players, were always likely to provide stiff opposition and this led to GGS showing them too much respect in an opening ten minute period which saw the visitors establish a three goal lead.

Following this disappointing opening, however, Grosvenor’s players found added strength and finally stepped up to the plate, with marking becoming tighter and John Deane imposing his leadership on the back four to ensure that they were no longer caught square.

Jack Anderson began to drive the team forward and, at the start of the second half, David Renfrew scored a superb solo effort, dancing through the opposition defence to fire home. With GGS tails now up, Jonny Proctor soon came within inches of making it 3-2 but, in driving to draw level, the team left space at the back and were punished with a final goal from Raphoe.

Despite an ultimate 4-1 defeat, Grosvenor players Harry McKeown and David Renfrew deserve special mention, putting in performances that were at least 15% better than last year.

Well done to Raphoe on the day, although Grosvenor can take much encouragement from their performance after the opening ten minutes. The team now face Cookstwon High School and Sullivan Upper in its remaining two qualifying matches, during which we wish its players, as well as coaches Mr Young and Mr Brittain, the best of luck.

Grosvenor players (from left to right) Jack Anderson, Jonny Proctor, John Deane and David Renfrew, each of whom featured in the 1st XI's opening Irish Schools' Qualifying match against 'Royal and Prior' of Raphoe